Description: Toadstool Catching the Rays by Debra Martz I spotted the signage for this trail as we traveled from Kanab, Utah to Lake Powell along highway 89 and added it to plans to come back during our stay at Wahweap Marina (Lake Powell). Overall the trail was fairly easy 1.8 mile round trip, following washes for the most part...only one climb that required hands and feet to get up a level. The effort was worth it once I saw the first of the toadstools...feel like your in another world! Copyright Debra Martz 20180830-DSC_6540-ET
Description: Point Supreme Overlook - Cedar Breaks - Utah by Debra Martz I had no idea what to expect when arriving at Cedar Breaks...just that it was a National Monument and within fairly close proximity to Zion National Park which was what brought us to the area. Firstly, the drive along hwy 14 was impressive with the climb in elevation and passing by old lava flows! But to arrive at the visitors center and walk out to Point Supreme Overlook at an elevation of 10,350 ft and see this huge amphitheater somewhat similar to Bryce Canyon National Park was a complete surprise. Normally I do research ahead of time and know a bit about what to expect. I was glad I didn't do that pre-research as the surprise was exhilarating and the views breathtaki...
Description: Utah Toadstool Trail - Abstract by Debra Martz I spotted the signage for this trail as we traveled from Kanab, Utah to Lake Powell along highway 89 and added it to plans to come back during our stay at Wahweap Marina (Lake Powell). Overall the trail was fairly easy 1.8 mile round trip, following washes for the most part...only one climb that required hands and feet to get up a level. The effort was worth it once I saw the first of the toadstools...feel like your in another world! I created this digital sketch from my original photograph by applying several steps including tone change, abstract and smudging effects in Topaz Studio. Copyright Debra Martz 20180830-DSC_6556-ET
Description: Point Supreme Overlook - Cedar Breaks - Utah - Vertical by Debra Martz I had no idea what to expect when arriving at Cedar Breaks...just that it was a National Monument and within fairly close proximity to Zion National Park which was what brought us to the area. Firstly, the drive along hwy 14 was impressive with the climb in elevation and passing by old lava flows! But to arrive at the visitors center and walk out to Point Supreme Overlook at an elevation of 10,350 ft and see this huge amphitheater somewhat similar to Bryce Canyon National Park was a complete surprise. Normally I do research ahead of time and know a bit about what to expect. I was glad I didn't do that pre-research as the surprise was exhilarating and the views br...
Description: Follow the Wash - Toadstool Trail - Utah by Debra Martz I spotted the signage for this trail as we traveled from Kanab, Utah to Lake Powell along highway 89 and added it to plans to come back during our stay at Wahweap Marina (Lake Powell). Overall the trail was fairly easy 1.8 mile round trip, following washes for the most part...only one climb that required hands and feet to get up a level. Copyright Debra Martz 20180830-DSC_6520-EEET
Description: Weeping Rock Topiary by Debra Martz This one looked to have been trimmed and trained into the shape of a cat...maybe that's just me. Plus, this was not trimmed nor trained....just amazing nature. What does it look like to you? It was along one of my favorite short hikes in Zion, Weeping Rock Trail; only 1/2 mile round trip but with a moderately steep climb to the Alcove. It begins in a surround of cottonwood, ash and maple trees but can become slippery at the top as there is moss on the rocks and walkway from the dripping springs. You soon find yourself in a large eroded carved out area, an alcove, with hanging gardens. Copyright of Debra Martz 20180823-DSC_4506.N
Description: Zion Riverwalk Hike - 2 by Debra Martz This hike is a two mile round trip that follows the river. Where this hike ends, the Narrows hike begins. If you are willing to get your feet wet...and often deeper...you can continue if the weather permits. We hiked to where the Narrows begins but only imagined what it would be like to continue. Two days earlier we were here when heavy rains began and most of the trails in Zion were closed due to flash floods. Copyright by Debra Martz 20180823-DSC_4367.N
Description: Toadstool Trail Formations - Utah by Debra Martz I spotted the signage for this trail as we traveled from Kanab, Utah to Lake Powell along highway 89 and added it to plans to come back during our stay at Wahweap Marina (Lake Powell). Overall the trail was fairly easy 1.8 mile round trip, following washes for the most part...only one climb that required hands and feet to get up a level. The effort was worth it once I saw the first of the toadstools...feel like your in another world! Copyright Debra Martz 20180830-DSC_6555-EET
Description: Lone Rock - Lake Powell - Utah by Debra Martz On our return to Lake Powell along hwy 89 and after hiking the Toadstool Trail, I noticed a sign...Lone Rock Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, so a left turn was made to go check it out. What I found was this massive, monolithic rock, THE Lone Rock, dominating the view of this part of Lake Powell. We discovered this free-standing sandstone rock is the namesake of one of the most popular beaches in Glen Canyon as it is one of the few spots that you can drive to the water's edge and primitive camp on the shoreline. And on this day the shoreline was filled with RVs of all types mixed with tent campers, too. Copyright Debra Martz 20180830-DSC_6640-Et
Description: Sacred Datura by Debra Martz Beautiful but poisonous and may be fatal if ingested by humans, livestock, or pets. It was growing wild throughout Zion National Park. Datura wrighti is sacred to some Native Americans and has been used in ceremonies and rites of passage by Chumash, Tongva, and others....not all survived. Copyright by Debra Martz 20180823-DSC_4360.NEF
Description: Cartoon Villain Profile in Lower Antelope Canyon by Debra Martz Here I go seeing things again! In this one, I see the profile of a cartoon villain with a mustache. A few came to mind...Captain Hook from Peter Pan, Boris Badenov from Rocky and His Friends, Snidely Whiplash... Do you see one of those or perhaps a different cartoon villain that sported a mustache? Drop the name in the comments if you do. ©Debra Martz 20180830-DSC_6744.N Arizona Gallery/Collection
Description: Lone Star Beer - O - Clock by Debra Martz Just one of the many types of neon lights and memoribilia on the walls of Arky Blue's Silver Dollar in Bandera, Texas. And, there's John Wayne and Dolly on the wall, too! A hidden gem of a bar in the center of Bandera. How can it be hidden if it is in the center of town? Because it is only a door, a red door with Silver Dollar written on it, which is sandwiched between two storefronts. The door drew our curiosity, we opened it slowly and looked down some old wooden steps, looked at each other and upon my husbands urging, we went down those old stairs to find a very Honky Tonk, complete with a large dancefloor, stage for a band, jukebox, pool tables, pinball machines and a lot of ol...
Description: Eye Care Eye Wear by Debra Martz Spent a few days in Aztec, New Mexico mainly to visit the Aztec Ruins and explore some of the lesser known arches on the back roads. Had some extra time and spent several hours walking the historic downtown. I spotted this when on the opposite side of the street and had to cross at once to see it closer. This was over the entrance door and a sign in the window read "iCare iWear". Very clever advertising I thought...definitely gets your attention...at least mine!!
Description: Toadstools and Alcoves - Utah by Debra Martz This large toadstool made me think of a certain person...with orange hair uptop the large face! :-) This particular formation is about 40-50 foot tall. The white "wall" in the background continues a long distance in both directions and has many alcoves but no through passages. I spotted the signage for this trail as we traveled from Kanab, Utah to Lake Powell along highway 89 and added it to plans to come back during our stay at Wahweap Marina (Lake Powell). Overall the trail was fairly easy 1.8 mile round trip, following washes for the most part...only one climb that required hands and feet to get up a level. The effort was worth it once I saw the first of the toadstools...feel like...
Description: Zion Desert Bighorn Sheep by Debra Martz Driving the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway not only gives you fantastic views of the landscape but if you are lucky, you might see a bighorn sheep near the highway. Such was the case on this early morning drive...not just this one but a group of 6 were moving down the hill...luckily near a spot wide enough to pull over and watch for a few minutes. Bighorn sheep were re-introduced to Zion National Park in the 1970’s. There is plenty of evidence that the desert bighorn sheep inhabited this area anciently but for many reasons the species did not survive. Just 12 bighorn sheep were relocated into the park and now their numbers range over 150. Copyright by Debra Martz 20180823...
Description: Goosenecks State Park Utah 2 by Debra Martz One more of those places I had seen online and just had to see in person. It did not disappoint...it Wowed me! The park itself is very small but the views of the meandering San Juan River are impressive! The river twists and turns through this area flowing a distance of over six miles while advancing only one and half miles west on its way to Lake Powell. State Park Utah Copyright Debra Martz 20170820-DSC_0266.N
Description: Elf Tree House by Debra Martz After hiking the two nature trails at Lady Bird Park in Fredericksburg, TX, we drove through the rest of the park. I Have No Idea what this is or represents but it surely caught my attention! While there was not a sign or name, it made me think of an elf house, therefore the title. .......................................... 20180424-DSC_8552.NEF
Description: Zion Riverwalk Hike by Debra Martz This hike is a two mile round trip that follows the river. Where this hike ends, the Narrows hike begins. If you are willing to get your feet wet...and often deeper...you can continue if the weather permits. We hiked to where the Narrows begins but only imagined what it would be like to continue. Two days earlier we were here when heavy rains began and most of the trails in Zion were closed due to flash floods. Copyright by Debra Martz 20180823-DSC_4326.N
Description: Turtle Wall in Lower Antelope Canyon by Debra Martz And the title is because i see a turtle profile coming out of the slot canyon wall...facing right and with its mouth open. Also, notice the small "pockets" of sand in the niches on the right half of the image. Didn't get to see any sand flows; I understand those are mainly in the Upper Canyon. Perhaps I'll have another opportunity in the future to visit Page, Arizona and the Navajo Nations Lands again. If so, I would do the upper canyon and if time the lower again, also. ©Debra Martz 20180830-DSC_6667-E2t
Description: Merry Christmas All Year by Debra Martz The full sign below this large mistletoe reads "Merry Christmas all year from Estero Llano Grande State Park. Mistletoe (Phoradendron tomentosum) Seven species in Texas, but only one in our area. This species is also in OK, LA and AL. It has photosynthetic green stems, but is parasitic on the host tree, usually mesquite... Host plant for the Great Purple Hairstreak." Unfortunately I did not see the Great Purple Hairstreak butterfl.
Description: That moment when I walked into a bird blind and wondered why there were no birds! And then looked to the right and saw this little gray fox entering the area! This is in the Hill Country Area at the South Llano River State Park near Junction, TX. A great state park if you enjoy bird and wildlife watching, and nice hiking trails.
Description: Great Kiskadee in Tree Filtered Light by Debra Martz Kiskadee perched quietly in a tree for a change; normally makes very loud calls. Spotted this one on the Green Jay Trail in Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park in S Texas March 3rd. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20230303-DSC_7391.NEF
Description: Coastal Clouds Building ©Debra Martz Zoomed in 200mm to get those stormy looking clouds and another cruise ship on the horizon. I had no idea so many ships could dock in Nassau Bahamas at one time! Multiple filters and brushed applied to my original photograph in Topaz Studio. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Red Abstract Sculpture This image is a partial of the sculpture taken by Debra Martz It being an overcast day, gave me a near white sky. The red popped against it and then the angle of the building continues to add to the overall image with the light gray, then pink and finished at the bottom with the off-white shell plaster of the museum wall. See the full sculpture on the grounds of the Art Museum of South Texas in Corpus Christi, TX. I would give credit to the sculptor but I did not see an informational plaque for this artwork.
Description: The photograph you take is not necessarily why you had your camera with you! I was walking around Rock Springs, Texas last year while waiting for the tour out to Devil's Sinkhole to watch the bats. It was August 1 but some of the small decorations remained from July 4th. This rustic, wooden American flag caught my eye and, well,,,,here it is! There was distractions around it so i went in close for the shot. Still seeing the distractions when loaded on my computer, I simply did a black back-fill surrounding the flag and added a little more texture over it. Get ready for the 4th of July with a tee, scarf, travel mug, drawstring bag and more!
Description: Whistling Duck Departing with a Splash ©Debra Martz I guess this Black-bellied Whistling Duck had enough of the crowd so away it went! Capture along the boardwalk at South Padre Island Nature and Birding Center the last day of February. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 3 20230228-DSC_6641.NEF
Description: Trujillo Meadow Reservoir Waterfall - Colorado by Debra Martz........................................... While spending some time in Chama, New Mexico, near the Colorado border we spent time driving several forest roads. This particular drive took us into the Rio Grande National Forest and on to the Trijullo campground. It was in the boundaries of the campground that we saw an overlook sign. The word waterfall was not mentioned but if there is an overlook, I am going to go and check out the view. Was I ever surprised to see this gorgeous sight! Not only that, as we drove into the campground we stopped to read the entry sign and if a fee was required. No fee was required to drive through but we a notice that the campground was closi...
